Microbial reduction in a processing stream of a milled product

ABSTRACT

A process for treating a milled product to reduce microbial activity at a high confidence level is disclosed. A sterile ready to eat milled product at a high confidence of sterility is also disclosed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/010,398 filed Jan. 20, 2011 entitled MICROBIAL REDUCTION INA PROCESSING STREAM OF A MILLED PRODUCT, which claims the benefit under35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/296,477filed Jan. 20, 2010, entitled MICROBIAL REDUCTION IN A PROCESSING STREAMOF MILLED PRODUCTS. The above mention applications are incorporatedherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Milled products can be used in a variety of consumer cookingapplications. Milled products can also be utilized by food companies asan ingredient to produce a consumer food product. Many times the milledproduct is cooked prior to consumption. However in many situations aconsumer can consume the milled product raw (e.g. raw cookie dough, rawcake batter, raw flour, raw grains and the like). As an end product, rawmilled products can have health risks to consumers. These health riskscan stem from uncertainty in confidence levels in the reduction ofmicrobial activity in the raw milled products.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key and/oressential features of the claimed subject matter. Also, this Summary isnot intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter in anymanner.

Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a process for treating a milledproduct to reduce microbial activity at a high confidence level. Aspectsof the disclosure further pertain to a sterile milled product at a highconfidence of sterility that is ready-to-eat.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary system diagram illustrating an exemplary systemfor microbial reduction in a processing stream of a milled product.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary operational flow diagram illustrating anexemplary process for microbial reduction in a processing stream of amilled product.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary computing system that can be utilized in variousaspects for microbial reduction in a processing stream of a milledproduct.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, andwhich show, by way of illustration, example features. The features can,however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construedas limited to the combinations set forth herein; rather, thesecombinations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope. Among other things, thefeatures of the disclosure can be embodied as methods, processes and/ordevices. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense.

Milled products can be produced from a variety of raw materials. Thedisclosure herein utilizes several examples associated with flour. Yet,this disclosure is not limited to such a product. Milled products caninclude, for example, flour of all types, bran, germ, grains, oats,wheat, rye, barley and the like. It is further contemplated that milledproducts that utilize the processes herein can include variousingredient types, sugars, spices and such. It is also contemplated thatmilled products that utilize the processes herein can include productsthat are first dehydrated and then milled or ground such as peppers,vegetables, fruits and the like.

Milled products have a plurality of uses in the cooking industry. As anexample associated with flour, flour can be utilized by a consumer forbaking on a micro level. In such a situation, relatively small packagesof flour can be obtained by the consumer for baking. For example, aconsumer can purchase a small package of flour for baking a small batchof cookies at home. Flour can also be utilized by large food companiesas an ingredient in an end product. In such a situation, largequantities of flour can be required for normal activities of the foodcompany. For example, a food company can purchase thousands of pounds offlour to produce large quantities of cookie dough that an end consumerwould ultimately bake. Many times the milled product is ultimatelycooked prior to consumption. For example, a consumer can bake the cookiedough prior to consuming a baked cookie. However, in many situations aconsumer may consume the milled product in a raw form. For example, aconsumer may consume cookie dough in a raw form prior to cooking thedough. Such consumption of raw milled products can have health risks toconsumers because of microbial activity in the raw milled product. Thesehealth risks can stem from uncertainty in microbial reduction when themilled product is processed.

Aspects of the disclosure herein pertain to microbial reduction in aprocessing stream of a milled product. In one aspect, the stream ofmilled product is a flowable stream of granules of the milled product.As more fully set forth below, the process is substantially continuous.A stream of a milled product can be introduced into a sanitaryenvironment. For example, the sanitary environment can be a conveyancenetwork of belts. In other aspects, the conveyance network can include aclosed duct network having forced sanitary air for transporting themilled product through the process. The stream of milled product isconveyed to a moisture control device to, for example, hydrate thestream. The moisture control device can standardize the moisture contentthroughout the stream. Also, moisture control can occur at a mill and/orjust prior to conveyance through a microbial reduction device. Thestream is then conveyed to the microbial reduction device where thestream is conveyed through the microbial reduction device to ensureappropriate microbial levels without substantially denaturing and/orsubstantially affecting the functionality of the milled product in thestream. The time and the temperature of the microbial reduction deviceare at least partially determined based on the moisture content of thehydrated stream of the product. The product is subsequently conveyed viathe duct network to down stream processes and storage via chilled forcedair. Such cooling can minimize condensation formation throughout thesystem. At a load-out stage, the milled product can be prepared forconsumer packaging, bulk packaging, bulk vehicular transport via aholding tank, and/or conveyance to secondary production facilities.

Aspects further pertain to a sterile milled product that is ready toeat. The sterility includes a high confidence level. The sterile milledproducts can be packaged for consumer use. For example, the milledproduct can be packaged in consumer quantities such as 1 pound to 20pound bags or the like. In other aspects, the milled product is notpackaged. For example, the process described herein can include aconduit or conveyance network to provide a flow channel for a milledproduct stream to a secondary processing or food manufacturing facility.In still other aspects, the milled product can be transported in bulk.For example, the product stream can be conveyed into a freight shippingcontainer or vessel. Several aspects for shipping milled products inbulk form are disclosed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/354,962 filed Jun. 15, 2010 and titled TRANSPORT SCHEDULING FOR LOWMICROBIAL BULK PRODUCTS.

A. System

FIG. 1 represents one exemplary system 100 for microbial reduction in aprocessing stream of a milled product. System 100 represents a systemoverview. System 100 can include various configurations withoutdeparting from the functionality set forth in this description. Theelements depicted in FIG. 1 and functionality described can beintegrated into the processing stream as single elements and/orcombination elements that include multiple functionalities. For example,in FIG. 1, various elements and arrows between elements are depicted forpurposes of explaining aspects of functionality and not necessarily forindicating where the elements structurally “reside” or that the elementsare single entities within the flow. It is contemplated that theelements can include combination devices performing multiple functionsand/or a single device performing a single function. It is furthercontemplated that the elements indicated in FIG. 1 can be located in amyriad of facility locations depending on desire, processingefficiencies, economics, etc. The depiction in FIG. 1 of the categorizedand named elements is merely for facilitating a logical flow of thedescription of system 100 as set forth herein.

As indicated in FIG. 1, system 100 can, optionally, include mill 102 forperforming milling operations on a product. The product can also bereceived from storage, a third party, other processes, and the like. Asindicated above, the milled product can include, for example, flour ofall types, bran, germ, grains, oats, wheat, rye, barley and the like. Itis further contemplated that milled products that utilize the processesherein can include various ingredient types, sugars, spices and such. Itis also contemplated that milled products that utilize the processesherein can include products that are first dehydrated and then milled orground such as peppers, vegetables, fruits and the like. From mill 102,the milled product can be conveyed to enrichment processing device(s)104 for enriching the milled product with vitamins, proteins,nutraceuticals, minerals and such. In other aspects, moisture control asindicated below, can occur at mill 102.

From enrichment processing device(s) 104, a milled product stream canflow into sanitary environment 106. In one example, the milled productstream can be described as a flowable stream of product granules capableof being transported by forced air. Yet, the ability to be transportedby forced air does not mean that the product must be transported byforced air. Sanitary environment 106 can include various configurationsand forms. For example, sanitary environment 106 can include a networkof ducts for transporting the milled product via forced sanitary airflow between elements of system 100. As another example, sanitaryenvironment 106 can include a clean room that encompasses the indicatedelements of system 100. Sanitary environment 106 can be utilized inseveral configurations within the production line. For example, eventhough the “beginning” of the sanitary environment 106 is indicatedafter the flow from enrichment processing device(s) 104, the “beginning”of sanitary environment 106 can commence when the milled product streamenters microbial reduction device 112 or when the milled product exitsmicrobial reduction device 112. Sanitary environment 106 can alsoinclude sanitary breaking functionality. For example, a closed ductnetwork can be cleared by forced sanitary air and/or heated to inactivemicroorganisms. The heating of the closed duct network can occur viaheated air forced through the system and/or a network of heating coilsassociated with the ducts to heat the system to a point of inactivatingmicroorganisms. Sanitary environment 106 can be further automated withone or more computer devices. An exemplary computing device is indicatedbelow in FIG. 3. The computing device can be an individual computingdevice specific to sanitary environment 106. In other situations, thecomputer device can be a networked computing device in communication andcoordinating several actions/events for the elements of FIG. 1. Forexample, the computing device can be configured to send control signalsto heating elements, chilling elements, forced air systems, etc. Thecomputing device can be further configured to implement scheduling ofoperations of the system, flow rate operations and the like. Suchoperations can include activation times, sanitary break times and flowrate sensing within the ducts, flow rate control within the ducts andother processes.

From enrichment processing device 104, the milled product stream can beconveyed to moisture control device 108 that can be located in sanitaryenvironment 106. Moisture control device 108 can include a chamber forcontinuously transporting the milled product stream through the same.Moisture control device 108 can also include processing functionalityand/or controls for receiving a target moisture content of the milledproduct, sensing current moisture content of the milled product and forcalculating a water flow rate for hydrating the milled product to thetarget moisture content. In one aspect, the water is sprayed or drippedonto the milled product. In other aspects, the water flow can bedistinguished from a steaming application. In one aspect, the moisturecontrol device includes a moisture sensor for sensing the currentmoisture of the milled product and a hydration implement for subjectingthe milled product to moisture. Even though moisture control device 108is described herein as having hydration functionality, it iscontemplated that for certain application needs of the milled product,the moisture control device 108 can dehydrate the milled product. Thepurpose of moisture control device 108 is to help ensure that themoisture content of the milled product is generally uniform throughoutthe stream in the conveyance system. The importance of such is morefully set forth below.

Moisture control device 108 can be further automated with one or morecomputer devices. An exemplary computing device is indicated below inFIG. 3. The computing device can be an individual computing devicespecific to moisture control device 108. In other situations, thecomputer device can be a networked computing device in communication andcoordinating several actions/events for the elements of FIG. 1. Forexample, the computing device can be configured to receive a targetmoisture content, receive an actual moisture content from a networksensor, and calculate a water quantity to provide hydration. Thecomputer device can be further configured to send control signals tonetworked elements of FIG. 1 to cause automation of several processes.For example, the computer device can further receive target temperaturesfrom microbial reduction device 112, target times from microbialreduction device 112, and/or processing rates from microbial reductiondevice 112. The computer device can be configured to calculate optimalmoisture contents, optimal processing temperatures, and/or optimalprocessing times based on any of the factors. The computing device canbe further configured to control the elements of FIG. 1 in accordancewith the calculations.

Generally, the milled product can enter moisture control device 108having a moisture content of about 13% to about 14.5%. Generally, themoisture content is not consistent throughout the stream because ofmoisture differences in the grain and differences in storage conditionsprior to milling. The moisture content of the milled product when itenters moisture control device 108 can also vary from the above rangesdepending on the prior processing events. For example, portions of themilled product stream can enter moisture control device 108 having amoisture content of about 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%,14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% to about 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%,11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, and 20%.

In one aspect, moisture control device 108 can standardize the milledproduct stream to a target moisture content throughout the stream. Forexample, the target moisture content throughout the stream can be fromabout 12% to about 16%. In other aspects, the target moisture contentthroughout the stream can be from about 12.5% to about 14.5%. In stillother aspects, the target moisture content can be about 13.5%. Yet, itis contemplated that moisture control device 108 can hydrate/dehydratethe milled product stream to a moisture content of about 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%,8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% to about4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%,19%, and 20%. Moisture control device 108 can hydrate/dehydrate themilled product stream to a moisture content at or below 20%. Moisturecontrol device 108 can hydrate/dehydrate the milled product stream to amoisture content at or above 4%. Moreover, the moisture control device108 can change the moisture content of the milled product stream byabout 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10.0%, 10.5%, 11.0%, 11.5%,12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%, 13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, 15.0%, 15.5%, 16.0%, 16.5%,17.0%, 17.5%, 18.0%, 18.5%, 19.0%, 19.5%, 20.0% to about 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%,2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4% 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%,8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10.0%, 10.5%, 11.0%, 11.5%, 12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%,13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, 15.0%, 15.5%, 16.0%, 16.5%, 17.0%, 17.5%, 18.0%,18.5%, 19.0%, 19.5%, 20.0%. The moisture content of the milled productstream can have a moisture consistency throughout the stream. Forexample, the moisture content can deviate from the target moisturecontent less than about 0.5% throughout the stream. In other aspects,the moisture content can deviate less than about 0.2% throughout thestream.

In the situation where moisture control device 108 hydrates the milledproduct, the milled product stream can flow to declumping device 110.Declumping device 110 can remove any clumps within the milled product toprovide a substantially uniform milled product flow into microbialreduction device 112. For example, declumping device 110 can be a feedhopper with a vibrating unit or the like. In other situations, themilled product stream may not require declumping and thereforedeclumping device 110 may not be in system 100 prior to microbialtreatment device 112.

Milled product flow enters microbial reduction device 112. Microbialreduction device 112 can include a radio frequency (“RF”) device. In oneaspect, the RF device operates in a range of about 20 MHz to about 2450MHz. In another aspect, the RF device is a microwave operating in arange of 915 MHz to about 2450 MHz. In still other aspects, the RFdevice can operate at about 40 MHz. One example of an RF deviceoperating at about 40 MHz is a Macrowave™ OmniTerm™ Simulator producedby Radio Frequency Company, Inc. located in Mills, Mass. Microbialreduction device 112 can include a process of causing a RF generator tocreate an alternating electric field between two electrodes. The milledproduct stream is conveyed between the electrodes where the alternatingenergy causes polar molecules in the milled product stream tocontinuously reorient to face opposite poles. The friction resultingfrom the molecular movement causes the milled product stream to rapidlyheat throughout the entire mass of the milled product stream.

Microbial reduction device 112 can be enclosed in a clean area andtransport the milled product stream by belt conveyance. In otheraspects, microbial reduction device 112 is in communication with theduct conveyance network described herein and processes the milledproduct within the duct network as the milled product stream flowsthrough the duct. Microbial reduction device 112 can be furtherautomated with one or more computer devices. An exemplary computingdevice is indicated below in FIG. 3. The computing device can be anindividual computing device specific to microbial reduction device 112.In other situations, the computer device can be a networked computingdevice in communication and coordinating several actions/events for theelements of FIG. 1. For example, the computing device can be configuredto receive target processing times, target temperatures, target flowrates, target scheduling and the like. The computer device can beconfigured to calculate optimal moisture contents, optimal processingtemperatures, and/or optimal processing times based on any of thefactors. The computer device can be further configured to send controlsignals to control the operations of one or more of the elements in FIG.1 based on the calculations.

The milled product can enter microbial reduction device 112 at amoisture content similar to the moisture content within existingmoisture control device 108. Microbial reduction device 112 can processthe milled product stream to a temperature from about 150° F. to about240° F. In other aspects, microbial reduction device 112 can process themilled product stream to a temperature from about 170° F. to about 210°F. In still other aspects, microbial reduction device 112 can processthe milled product stream to a temperature from about 180° F. to about200° F. In yet other aspects, microbial reduction device 112 can processthe milled product stream to a temperature of about 190° F. Themicrobial reduction device 112 can process the milled product stream toa temperature of about 150° F., 151° F., 152° F., 153° F., 154° F., 155°F., 156° F., 157° F., 158° F., 159° F., 160° F., 161° F., 162° F., 163°F., 164° F., 165° F., 166° F., 167° F., 168° F., 169° F., 170° F., 171°F., 172° F., 173° F., 174° F., 175° F., 176° F., 177° F., 178° F., 179°F., 180° F., 181° F., 182° F., 183° F., 184° F., 185° F., 186° F., 187°F., 188° F., 189° F., 190° F., 191° F., 192° F., 193° F., 194° F., 195°F., 196° F., 197° F., 198° F., 199° F., 200° F., 201° F., 202° F., 203°F., 204° F., 205° F., 206° F., 207° F., 208° F., 209° F., 210° F., 211°F., 212° F., 213° F., 214° F., 215° F., 216° F., 217° F., 218° F., 219°F., 220° F., 221° F., 222° F., 223° F., 224° F., 225° F., 226° F., 227°F., 228° F., 229° F., 230° F., 231° F., 232° F., 233° F., 234° F., 235°F., 236° F., 237° F., 238° F., 239° F., 240° F., to about 150° F., 151°F., 152° F., 153° F., 154° F., 155° F., 156° F., 157° F., 158° F., 159°F., 160° F., 161° F., 162° F., 163° F., 164° F., 165° F., 166° F., 167°F., 168° F., 169° F., 170° F., 171° F., 172° F., 173° F., 174° F., 175°F., 176° F., 177° F., 178° F., 179° F., 180° F., 181° F., 182° F., 183°F., 184° F., 185° F., 186° F., 187° F., 188° F., 189° F., 190° F., 191°F., 192° F., 193° F., 194° F., 195° F., 196° F., 197° F., 198° F., 199°F., 200° F., 201° F., 202° F., 203° F., 204° F., 205° F., 206° F., 207°F., 208° F., 209° F., 210° F., 211° F., 212° F., 213° F., 214° F., 215°F., 216° F., 217° F., 218° F., 219° F., 220° F., 221° F., 222° F., 223°F., 224° F., 225° F., 226° F., 227° F., 228° F., 229° F., 230° F., 231°F., 232° F., 233° F., 234° F., 235° F., 236° F., 237° F., 238° F., 239°F., 240° F. The microbial reduction device 112 can process the milledproduct stream at a temperature of at or below 240° F. The microbialreduction device 112 can process the milled product stream at atemperature of at or above 150° F. The temperature will depend at leastin part on the starting moisture content of the milled product streamand the desired level of microbial reduction.

The resident time within microbial reduction device 112 can be about 1.0minutes to about 10.0 minutes. In other aspects, the resident timewithin microbial reduction device 112 can be about 5 minutes. Theresident time within microbial reduction device 112 can be about 1.0minutes, 1.5 minutes, 2.0 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3.0 minutes, 3.5minutes, 4.0 minutes, 4.5 minutes, 5.0 minutes, 5.5 minutes, 6.0minutes, 6.5 minutes, 7.0 minutes, 7.5 minutes, 8.0 minutes, 8.5minutes, 9.0 minutes, 9.5 minutes, 10.0 minutes to about 1.0 minutes,1.5 minutes, 2.0 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3.0 minutes, 3.5 minutes, 4.0minutes, 4.5 minutes, 5.0 minutes, 5.5 minutes, 6.0 minutes, 6.5minutes, 7.0 minutes, 7.5 minutes, 8.0 minutes, 8.5 minutes, 9.0minutes, 9.5 minutes, 10.0 minutes. The resident time within themicrobial reduction device 112 can be at or above 1.0 minutes. Theresident time within microbial reduction device 112 can be at or below10.0 minutes. The resident time will depend at least in part on thestarting moisture content of the milled product stream, and the desiredlevel of microbial reduction.

In one aspect, the microbial reduction device 112 causes the milledproduct stream to exit the microbial reduction device 112 with aconfidence level in the reduction of any microbial levels; yet, producea product with substantially maintained product functionality (little tono denaturation). For example, the percentage of the milled productstream that is denatured by microbial reduction device 112 can be about5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% to about 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%. As anotherexample, example, the percentage of the milled product stream that isdenatured can be about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%,12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20% to about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%,6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%.

In one aspect, a milled product stream exits the microbial reductiondevice 112 with about a 3.0 log CFU/g reduction in any microorganisms toan undetectable microorganism level. The reduction in any microorganismlevels can be about 3.0 log CFU/g, 3.2 log CFU/g, 3.4 log CFU/g, 3.6 logCFU/g, 3.8 log CFU/g, 4.0 log CFU/g, 4.2 log CFU/g, 4.4 log CFU/g, 4.6log CFU/g, 4.8 log CFU/g, 5.0 log CFU/g, 5.2 log CFU/g, 5.4 log CFU/g,5.6 log CFU/g, 5.8 log CFU/g, 6.0 log CFU/g, 6.2 log CFU/g, 6.4 logCFU/g, 6.6 log CFU/g, 6.8 log CFU/g, 7.0 log CFU/g to about 3.0 logCFU/g, 3.2 log CFU/g, 3.4 log CFU/g, 3.6 log CFU/g, 3.8 log CFU/g, 4.0log CFU/g, 4.2 log CFU/g, 4.4 log CFU/g, 4.6 log CFU/g, 4.8 log CFU/g,5.0 log CFU/g, 5.2 log CFU/g, 5.4 log CFU/g, 5.6 log CFU/g, 5.8 logCFU/g, 6.0 log CFU/g, 6.2 log CFU/g, 6.4 log CFU/g, 6.6 log CFU/g, 6.8log CFU/g, 7.0 log CFU/g. The reduction in any microorganism levels canbe greater than 3.0 log CFU/g. The reduction in any microorganism levelscan be greater than 4.0 log CFU/g. The reduction in any microorganismlevels can be greater than 5.0 log CFU/g. The reduction in anymicroorganism levels can be greater than 6.0 log CFU/g.

From microbial reduction device 112, a portion of the milled productstream can return to prior elements of system 100. Also, in otheraspects, the milled product can return to prior elements of system 100from declumping device 114. The charge return can be desired where theportion of the milled product stream is an initial portion of theproduct stream when system 100 is activated. The milled product streamcan further continue to declumping device 114 to remove any clumpswithin the milled product to provide a substantially uniform milledproduct flow. For example, declumping device 114 can be a feed hopperwith a vibrating unit or the like. In other situations the milledproduct stream may not require declumping and therefore declumpingdevice 114 would not be in system 100.

From declumping device 114, an optional chiller can communicate inlinewith the conveyance network. For example, chiller 116 can utilizesanitary air and chill the air of the duct network. Even though chiller116 is indicated as engaging system 100 downstream of declumping device114, chiller 116 can engage system 100 downstream of microbial reductiondevice 112 as well. As stated, chiller 116 can force cool air into theconveyance network to convey the milled product stream. Duringconveyance and during subsequent operations indicated by system 100, theforced air from the chiller can return the milled product stream to atemperature of about 70° F. to about 230° F. In other aspects, theforced air from the chiller can return the milled product stream toabout ambient temperature. During conveyance and during subsequentoperations indicated by system 100, the forced air from the chiller canreturn the milled product stream to a temperature of about 70° F., 75°F., 80° F., 85° F., 90° F., 95° F., 100° F., 105° F., 110° F., 115° F.,120° F., 125° F., 130° F., 135° F., 140° F., 145° F., 150° F., 155° F.,160° F., 165° F., 170° F., 175° F., 180° F. to about 70° F., 75° F., 80°F., 85° F., 90° F., 95° F., 100° F., 105° F., 110° F., 115° F., 120° F.,125° F., 130° F., 135° F., 140° F., 145° F., 150° F., 155° F., 160° F.,165° F., 170° F., 175° F., 180° F., 185° F., 190° F., 195° F., 200° F.,205° F., 210° F., 215° F., 220° F., 225° F., 230° F. The temperature caninclude values outside of the given ranges depending on ambientconditions and the desired end product. As stated above, the temperaturereduction minimizes the formation of condensation throughout the system,which can be a condition that facilitates microbial growth.

Optionally, the milled product stream can be conveyed to cooling andfiltration device 118 for further cooling and filtration. Also, themilled product stream can, optionally, be further conveyed to sifter 120for verifying the particulate size of the milled product stream.

The milled product stream can be conveyed to a load-out device 122.Load-out device 122 can include a holding vessel, a valve, and/orconveyance outlet for purposes of facilitating the transport and/oroutput of the milled product. For example, load-out device 122 can holdthe milled product to facilitate the conveyance of the milled product toa consumer packaging operation 124. Consumer packaging operation 124 caninclude conveying the milled product to one or more secondary holdingvessels which facilitate the injection of the milled product intoconsumer sized bags. As another example, load-out device 122 can holdthe milled product to facilitate the conveyance of the milled product toa bulk packaging operation 126. Bulk packaging operation 126 can includeconveying the milled product to one or more secondary holding vesselswhich facilitate the injection of the milled product into bulk sizedbags. As still another example, load-out device 122 can hold the milledproduct to facilitate the conveyance of the milled product to a bulktransport operation 128. The milled product can be released fromload-out device 122 into a sanitary truck compartment, a sanitary traincompartment or the like. The transport of a milled product is more fullydescribed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/354,962 filed Jun.15, 2010 and titled TRANSPORT SCHEDULING FOR LOW MICROBIAL BULKPRODUCTS. As yet another example, load-out device 122 can hold themilled product to facilitate the conveyance of the milled product to asecondary production site 130. The milled product can be transported viathe conveyance network to a food production site for making foods inlarge quantities.

B. Methods and Processes

FIG. 2 is an exemplary operational flow diagram illustrating anexemplary process for microbial reduction in a processing stream of amilled product. Operational flow 200 begins at start operation 202 andcontinues to operation 204 where a target moisture content for themilled product stream is determined and set in the system. Targetmoisture contents for the milled product stream are more fully set forthabove. In one aspect, the target moisture content is set on a computingdevice, such as the computing device indicated in FIG. 3. In anotheraspect, the target moisture content can be set on moisture controldevice 108 and/or microbial reduction device 112. The target moisturecontent can be manually set by an operator and/or the target moisturecontent can be automatically set, via computer instructions, in responseto a schedule and/or in response to a determined variable or value.

Operational flow 200 continues to operation 206 where a targettemperature for the milled product stream is determined and set in thesystem. Target temperatures for the milled product stream are more fullyset forth above. In one aspect, the target temperature is set on acomputing device, such as the computing device indicated in FIG. 3. Inanother aspect, the target temperature can be set on microbial reductiondevice 112. The target temperature can be manually set by an operatorand/or the target temperature can be automatically set, via computerinstructions, in response to a schedule, event and/or in response to adetermined variable. In still other aspects, the computing devicereceives the target moisture content for the milled product stream andthen calculates a corresponding temperature.

From operation 206, operational flow 200 continues to operation 208where a target residence time for microbial reduction device 112 isdetermined and/or set in the system. Target times for the milled productstream are more fully set forth above. In one aspect, the target time isset on a computing device, such as the computing device indicated inFIG. 3. In another aspect, the target time can be set on microbialreduction device 112. The target time can be manually set by an operatorand/or the target temperature can be automatically set, via computerinstructions, in response to a schedule, event and/or in response to adetermined variable. In still other aspects, the computing devicereceives the target moisture content for the milled product stream andthen calculates a corresponding time.

Operational flow 200 continues to operation 210, where the processingline is activated. In other aspects, the processing line can beactivated prior to operation 204. Activation of the line instantiatesany systems within the line. Operational flow 200 then continues tooperation 212 where the milled product stream is received in theproduction line. As indicated in FIG. 1, the production line can includereceiving the milled product stream in a clean room and/or receiving themilled product stream in a closed network of sanitary duct that receivessanitized force air to convey the milled product stream through the ductnetwork.

From operation 212, operational flow 200 continues to operation 216where moisture control operations are performed. A moisture controldevice can be located in-line with the conveyance network. In otheraspects, moisture control operations can occur at the mill. Moisturecontrol operations can include a computing device receiving anindication of a current moisture content of the milled product streamfrom a moisture sensor. The current moisture content of the milledproduct stream can be compared to the target moisture content set inoperation 204. The moisture comparison can indicate a moisturedifferential between the current moisture content and the targetmoisture content. From the differential, a moisture addition/reductionamount (flow rate) can be determined. In one aspect, the computer deviceactuates a moisture control nozzle to treat the milled product stream toachieve the target moisture content.

In the situation where a declumping device is in the production line,operational flow 200 can continue to decision operation 218. An in-linedeclumping device can be located in-line with the conveyance networkthat conveys the milled product stream. At decision operation 218, it isdecided whether to declump the milled product stream as indicated abovein FIG. 1. When declumping is desired, the milled product stream can beconveyed through the conveyance network to the declumping device where adeclumping process occurs. Operational flow 200 then continues tooperation 220. When declumping is not desired, operational flow 200 alsocontinues to operation 220.

Operational flow 200 continues to operation 220 where the milled productstream undergoes microbial reduction treatment. The milled productstream can be conveyed to a microbial reduction device via the networkof sanitary duct. The microbial reduction device can be as indicatedabove in the text of FIG. 1. The set target temperature and set targettime can be identified from the operation 204 and 206, respectively. Themilled product stream can then be conveyed through the microbialreduction device to treat the milled product stream. The attributes ofthe milled product stream are more fully set forth above in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 indicates a process flow from operation 220 to decision operation222. However, in other aspects of the disclosure, operation 220 can flowto other operations prior to decision operation 222. For example,instruments downstream and/or associated with the microbial reductiondevice, can detect one or more conditions of the milled product stream.In other aspects, an operator may detect one or more conditionsassociated with the milled product stream. A decision can be made thatone or more of the conditions are not appropriate. In such a situation,operational flow 200 can continue to a set of decision operations asdescribed in operations 234-242 indicated below. Operational flow 200can then loop back to operation 212 to process the downstream milledproduct according to any adjustments to the target moisture, targettemperature and/or target time. Stated another way, adjustments can bemade “on-the-fly” as the stream is being processed.

In the situation where a declumping device is in the production line,operational flow 200 can continue to decision operation 222. An in-linedeclumping device can be located in-line with the conveyance networkthat conveys the milled product stream. At decision operation 222, it isdecided whether to declump the milled product stream as indicated abovein text associated with FIG. 1. When declumping is desired, the milledproduct stream can be conveyed through the conveyance network to thedeclumping device where a declumping process occurs. Operational flow200 then continues to operation 224. When declumping is not desired,operational flow 200 also continues to operation 224.

Operation 224 can occur before decision operation 222 or after decisionoperation 222. At operation 224, the milled product stream is cooled. Inone aspect, a chilling unit is in-line with the conveyance network thatconveys the milled product stream. The chilled air cools the milledproduct stream to about ambient temperatures as it is being conveyedthrough the conveyance network in order to minimize condensationformation.

Optionally, operational flow 200 continues to decision operation 226where it is decided whether to sift the milled product stream. When itis decided to sift the milled product stream, the product stream can beconveyed to a sifting device via the conveyance network. Operationalflow 200 then continues to operation 228. When it is decided not to siftthe milled product stream, operational flow 200 also continues tooperation 228.

At operation 228, the milled product stream can, optionally, be conveyedto a holding vessel where the milled product stream is held undersanitary conditions. Operational flow 200 then continues to operation230 where load-out occurs. In other aspects, operational flow cancontinue from decision operation 226, directly to operation 230.Load-out can occur in various forms. For example, as indicated above inthe text associated with FIG. 1, the milled product can be conveyed to aconsumer packaging operation, a bulk packaging operation, a bulktransportation operation and/or a secondary production operation.

Operational flow 200 can continue to decision operation 232 where it isdecided whether to deactivate the line. Even though decision operation232 is indicated after operation 230, decision operation 232 can occuranywhere in operational flow 200. For example, the line can bedeactivated for an emergency at any time or to correct a functional orquality issue with the line. Yet, one time to deactivate the line can bewhen the milled product stream is through the duct and a cycle hasended. The determination of whether to deactivate the line can occurthrough operator intervention, and/or via a signal from the computer.The deactivation of the line can be in response to a predetermined eventand/or a schedule associated with a computing device. When it is decidednot to deactivate the line, operational flow 200 loops back to operation212, where the milled product stream is further continuously received.When it is decided to deactivate the line, operational flow 200continues to decision operation 234.

From decision operation 232, operational flow 200 can continue to a setof decision operations 234-246. Even though FIG. 2 indicates suchdecision operations occurring in an order, the decision operations234-246 can be in any order. Furthermore, decision operations 234-242can occur “on-the-fly” while the system is active. At decision operation234, it is decided whether to adjust the target moisture of the milledproduct stream. Again, the decision to adjust the target moisturecontent of the milled product stream can occur through manual input froma facility operator. The decision to adjust the target moisture contentof the milled product stream can also be automatic, via a computingsystem, in response to a received value, in response to a determinedvariable, and/or in response to a changed condition on the line. In thesituation where it is determined to adjust the target moisture contentof the milled product stream, operational flow 200 continues tooperation 236 where a new target moisture content is set in a mannersimilar to that described in operation 204. From operation 236,operational flow 200 continues to decision operation 238. Also in thesituation where it is decided not to adjust the target moisture of themilled product stream, operational flow 200 also continues to decisionoperation 238.

At decision operation 238, it is decided whether to adjust the targettemperature of the milled product stream. Again, the decision to adjustthe target temperature of the milled product stream can occur throughmanual input from a facility operator. The decision to adjust the targettemperature of the milled product stream can also be automatic, via acomputing system, in response to a received value, in response to adetermined variable, and/or in response to a changed condition on theline. In the situation where it is determined to adjust the targettemperature of the milled product stream, operational flow 200 continuesto operation 240 where a new target temperature is set in a mannersimilar to that described in operation 206. From operation 240,operational flow 200 continues to decision operation 242. Also in thesituation where it is decided not to adjust the target moisture of themilled product stream, operational flow 200 also continues to decisionoperation 242.

At decision operation 242, it is decided whether to adjust the targetresidence time of the milled product stream in the microbial reductiontreatment. Again, the decision to adjust the target time of the milledproduct stream can occur through manual input from a facility operator.The decision to adjust the target time of the milled product stream canalso be automatic, via a computing system, in response to a receivedvalue, in response to a determined variable, and/or in response to achanged condition on the line. In the situation where it is determinedto adjust the target time of the milled product stream, operational flow200 continues to operation 244 where a new target time is set in amanner similar to that described in operation 208. From operation 244,operational flow 200 continues to decision operation 246. Also in thesituation where it is decided not to adjust the target time of themilled product stream, operational flow 200 also continues to decisionoperation 246.

At decision operation 246, it is decided whether to facilitate asanitary break in the line. The decision to facilitate a sanitary breakin the line can occur through manual input from a facility operator. Thedecision to facilitate a sanitary break in the line can also beautomatic, via a computing system, in response to a received value, inresponse to a determine variable, and/or in response to a changedcondition on the line. When it is decided not to facilitate a sanitarybreak, operational flow 200 can loop back to operation 210 where theline is activated. When it is decided to facilitate a sanitary break,operational flow 200 can continue to operation 248. At operation 248,the lines of the system can be cleared. In one aspect, the duct networkcan be cleared of any remaining milled product by forcing air throughthe system or by manual cleaning.

Operational flow 200 continues to operation 250 where the lines or ductcan be heated. As indicated above, the lines or duct can be heated viaforced air. In other aspects, the duct can include heating coils thatare activated to heat the duct and sanitize the system. From operation250, operational flow 200 loops back to operation 210 where the line isactivated.

C. Product

As further indicated herein, a sterile milled product is furtherdisclosed. As stated above, the sterile milled product can include forexample, flour of all types, bran, germ, grains, oats, wheat, rye,barley and the like. It is further contemplated that milled productsthat utilize the processes herein can include various ingredient types,sugars, spices and such. It is also contemplated that milled productsthat utilize the processes herein can include products that are firstdehydrated and then milled or ground such as peppers, vegetables, fruitsand the like.

The sterile milled products can be packaged for consumer use. Forexample, the milled product can be packaged in consumer quantities suchas 1 pound to 20 pound bags or the like. In other aspects, the milledproduct is not packaged. For example, system 100 described above caninclude a conduit or conveyance network to provide a flow channel for aproduct stream to a secondary processing or food manufacturing facility.In still other aspects, the milled product can be transported in bulk.For example, the product stream can be conveyed into a freight shippingcontainer or vessel.

In one aspect, a sterile milled product can be a milled product thatincludes no detectable traces of active microorganisms. In anotheraspect, a sterile milled product can be a milled product that includesno detectable traces of active microorganisms above a threshold set by agovernment body such as, for example, the United States Food and DrugAdministration (or another country's governing body). The confidencelevel of the sterility can be about 50% to about 99.99%. The confidencelevel of the sterility can be about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%,85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%, 99.41%,99.42%, 99.43%, 99.44%, 99.45%, 99.46%, 99.47%, 99.48%, 99.49%, 99.50%,99.51%, 99.52%, 99.53%, 99.54%, 99.55%, 99.56%, 99.57%, 99.58%, 99.59%,99.60%, 99.61%, 99.62%, 99.63%, 99.64%, 99.65%, 99.66%, 99.67%, 99.68%,99.69%, 99.70%, 99.71%, 99.72%, 99.73%, 99.74%, 99.75%, 99.76%, 99.77%,99.78%, 99.79%, 99.80%, 99.81%, 99.82%, 99.83%, 99.84%, 99.85%, 99.86%,99.87%, 99.88%, 99.89%, 99.90%, 99.91%, 99.92%, 99.93%, 99.94%, 99.95%,99.96%, 99.97%, 99.98%, 99.99%, 100% to about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.1%, 99.2%, 99.3%, 99.4%,99.41%, 99.42%, 99.43%, 99.44%, 99.45%, 99.46%, 99.47%, 99.48%, 99.49%,99.50%, 99.51%, 99.52%, 99.53%, 99.54%, 99.55%, 99.56%, 99.57%, 99.58%,99.59%, 99.60%, 99.61%, 99.62%, 99.63%, 99.64%, 99.65%, 99.66%, 99.67%,99.68%, 99.69%, 99.70%, 99.71%, 99.72%, 99.73%, 99.74%, 99.75%, 99.76%,99.77%, 99.78%, 99.79%, 99.80%, 99.81%, 99.82%, 99.83%, 99.84%, 99.85%,99.86%, 99.87%, 99.88%, 99.89%, 99.90%, 99.91%, 99.92%, 99.93%, 99.94%,99.95%, 99.96%, 99.97%, 99.98%, 99.99%, 100%. The confidence level ofthe sterility can be greater than 99.6%

The percentage of denaturation of the sterile milled product can beabout 1% to about 10%. The percentage of denaturation of the sterilemilled product can be about 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%,4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10% toabout 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%,6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10%. In other aspects, thepercentage of denaturation can be greater than about 10%. In still otheraspects, the percentage of denaturation can be less than about 5%.

The moisture content of the sterile milled product can be from about 12%to about 16%. In other aspects, the moisture content of the sterilemilled product can be from about 12.5% to about 14.5%. In still otheraspects, the moisture content of the sterile milled product can be about13.5%. The moisture content of the sterile milled product can be about4%_(,) 5%_(,) 6%_(,) 7%_(,) 8%_(,) 9%_(,) 10%_(,) 11%_(,) 12%_(,)13%_(,) 14%_(,) 15%_(,) 16%_(,) 17%_(,) 18%_(,) 19%_(,) 20% to about 4%,5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%,and 20%.

The water activity of the sterile milled product can be about 0.01,0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60to about 0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45,0.50, 0.55, 0.60. The water activity of the sterile milled product canbe below about 0.6.

The ash content of the sterile milled product can be about 0.30%, 0.35%,0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 0.55%, 0.60%, 0.65%, 0.70% to about 0.30%, 0.35%,0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%, 0.55%, 0.60%, 0.65%, 0.70%.

The viscosity of the sterile milled product can be measured by a fallingnumber instrument by measuring the resistance of a flour and water pasteto a falling stirrer. The falling number analysis can give an indicationof the amount of alpha amylase activity in the sterile milled product.The viscosity value associated with the falling number instrument can beabout 200 seconds, 225 seconds, 250 seconds, 275 seconds, 300 seconds,325 seconds, 350 seconds, 375 seconds, 400 seconds, 425 seconds, 450seconds, 475 seconds, 500 seconds to about 200 seconds, 225 seconds, 250seconds, 275 seconds, 300 seconds, 325 seconds, 350 seconds, 375seconds, 400 seconds, 425 seconds, 450 seconds, 475 seconds, 500seconds.

A Farinograph determines dough and gluten properties of a sterile milledproduct sample by measuring the resistance of a dough from the sterilemilled product and water. The Farinograph can indicate an absorptionrange of about 50 minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54minutes, 55 minutes, 56 minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, 60minutes, 61 minutes, 62 minutes, 63 minutes, 64 minutes, 65 minutes, 66minutes, 67 minutes, 68 minutes, 69 minutes, 70 minutes to about 50minutes, 51 minutes, 52 minutes, 53 minutes, 54 minutes, 55 minutes, 56minutes, 57 minutes, 58 minutes, 59 minutes, 60 minutes, 61 minutes, 62minutes, 63 minutes, 64 minutes, 65 minutes, 66 minutes, 67 minutes, 68minutes, 69 minutes, 70 minutes.

The Farinograph can indicate a peak time range of about 1.0 minutes, 1.5minutes, 2.0 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3.0 minutes, 3.5 minutes, 4.0minutes, 4.5 minutes, 5.0 minutes, 5.5 minutes, 6.0 minutes, 6.5minutes, 7.0 minutes, 7.5 minutes, 8.0 minutes, 8.5 minutes, 9.0minutes, 9.5 minutes, 10.0 minutes, 10.5 minutes, 11.0 minutes, 11.5minutes, 12.0 minutes, 12.5 minutes, 13.0 minutes, 13.5 minutes, 14.0minutes, 14.5 minutes, 15.0 minutes, 15.5 minutes, 16.0 minutes, 16.5minutes, 17.0 minutes, 17.5 minutes, 18.0 minutes, 18.5 minutes, 19.0minutes, 19.5 minutes, 20.0 minutes to about 1.0 minutes, 1.5 minutes,2.0 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 3.0 minutes, 3.5 minutes, 4.0 minutes, 4.5minutes, 5.0 minutes, 5.5 minutes, 6.0 minutes, 6.5 minutes, 7.0minutes, 7.5 minutes, 8.0 minutes, 8.5 minutes, 9.0 minutes, 9.5minutes, 10.0 minutes, 10.5 minutes, 11.0 minutes, 11.5 minutes, 12.0minutes, 12.5 minutes, 13.0 minutes, 13.5 minutes, 14.0 minutes, 14.5minutes, 15.0 minutes, 15.5 minutes, 16.0 minutes, 16.5 minutes, 17.0minutes, 17.5 minutes, 18.0 minutes, 18.5 minutes, 19.0 minutes, 19.5minutes, 20.0 minutes.

The Farinograph can indicate a mechanical tolerance index range of about5 BU, 10 BU, 15 BU, 20 BU, 25 BU, 30 BU, 35 BU, 40 BU, 45 BU, 50 BU, 55BU, 60 BU, 65 BU, 70 BU, 75 BU, 80 BU, 85 BU, 90 BU, 95 BU, 100 BU, 105BU, 110 BU, 115 BU, 120 BU to about 5 BU, 10 BU, 15 BU, 20 BU, 25 BU, 30BU, 35 BU, 40 BU, 45 BU, 50 BU, 55 BU, 60 BU, 65 BU, 70 BU, 75 BU, 80BU, 85 BU, 90 BU, 95 BU, 100 BU, 105 BU, 110 BU, 115 BU, 120 BU.

The Farinograph can indicate a stability range of about 1 minute, 2minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13 minutes, 14minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19 minutes, 20minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25 minutes 26minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes to about 1minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6 minutes, 7minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 11 minutes, 12 minutes, 13minutes, 14 minutes, 15 minutes, 16 minutes, 17 minutes, 18 minutes, 19minutes, 20 minutes, 21 minutes, 22 minutes, 23 minutes, 24 minutes, 25minutes 26 minutes, 27 minutes, 28 minutes, 29 minutes, 30 minutes.

A extensigraph determines the resistance and extensibility of a doughmade from the sterile milled product. In one aspect the resistance andextensibility can be measured at about 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 60 minutes, 65 minutes, 70 minutes, 75minutes, 80 minutes, 85 minutes, 90 minutes, 95 minutes, 100 minutes,105 minutes, 110 minutes, 115 minutes, 120 minutes, 125 minutes, 130minutes, 135 minutes, 140 minutes, 145 minutes, and 150 minutes. Thedough made from the sterile milled product can have a resistance ofabout 20 BU, 40 BU, 60 BU, 80 BU, 100 BU, 120 BU, 140 BU, 160 BU, 180BU, 200 BU, 220 BU, 240 BU, 260 BU, 280 BU, 300 BU, 320 BU, 340 BU, 360BU, 380 BU, 400 BU, 420 BU, 440 BU, 460 BU, 480 BU, 500 BU, 520 BU, 540BU, 560 BU, 580 BU, 600 BU, 620 BU, 640 BU, 660 BU, 680 BU, 700 BU, 720BU, 740 BU, 760 BU, 780 BU, 800 BU, 820 BU, 840 BU, 860 BU, 880 BU, 900BU, 920 BU, 940 BU, 960 BU, 980 BU, 1000 BU to about 20 BU, 40 BU, 60BU, 80 BU, 100 BU, 120 BU, 140 BU, 160 BU, 180 BU, 200 BU, 220 BU, 240BU, 260 BU, 280 BU, 300 BU, 320 BU, 340 BU, 360 BU, 380 BU, 400 BU, 420BU, 440 BU, 460 BU, 480 BU, 500 BU, 520 BU, 540 BU, 560 BU, 580 BU, 600BU, 620 BU, 640 BU, 660 BU, 680 BU, 700 BU, 720 BU, 740 BU, 760 BU, 780BU, 800 BU, 820 BU, 840 BU, 860 BU, 880 BU, 900 BU, 920 BU, 940 BU, 960BU, 980 BU, 1000 BU. The dough made from the sterile milled product canhave a resistance greater than 1000 BU.

The extensigraph can indicate an extensibility of about 0 cm, 5 cm, 10cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm, 55 cm, 60cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm to about 0cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, 50 cm,55 cm, 60 cm, 65 cm, 70 cm, 75 cm, 80 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 95 cm, 100 cm.

A Glutomatic is used to determine the amount and quality of gluten in asterile milled product sample. The Glutomatic can indicate a wet glutenrange of about 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%,21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30% to about 10%, 11%, 12%,13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%,27%, 28%, 29%, 30%.

Solvent retention capacity is a test used to measure the capacity of asterile milled product to hold different solvents. Generally, lacticacid is associated with gluten protein characteristics. Sodium carbonateis associated to levels of damaged starch. Sucrose is related to pentosecomponents. Water solvent retention capacity is influenced by all waterabsorbing compounds of the sterile milled product. The combinationpattern can indicate sterile milled product quality and functionalityprofile.

The solvent retention test can indicate a water solvent retentioncapacity range of about 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%,49%, 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%,63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%,77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90% toabout 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 51%, 52%,53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%,67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%,81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%.

The solvent retention test can indicate a lactic acid solvent retentionrange of about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 145%, 150%,155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180% to about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%,65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%,130%, 135%, 140%, 145%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%.

The solvent retention test can indicate a sodium carbonate range ofabout 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%,to about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,100%.

The solvent retention test can indicate a sucrose solvent retentionrange of about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%,105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, to about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%,75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%.

A Rapid Visco Analyzer test measures sterile milled product starchproperties. The Rapid Visco Analyzer indicates starch viscosity bymeasuring the resistance of a sterile milled product and water slurryduring heating and cooling.

The Rapid Visco Analyzer can indicate a peak viscosity range of about 0RVU, 25 RVU, 50 RVU, 75 RVU, 100 RVU, 125 RVU, 150 RVU, 175 RVU, 200RVU, 225 RVU, 250 RVU, 275 RVU, 300 RVU, 325 RVU, 350 RVU, 375 RVU, 400RVU, 425 RVU, 450 RVU, 475 RVU, 500 RVU, 525 RVU, 550 RVU, 575 RVU, 600RVU, 625 RVU, 650 RVU, 675 RVU, 700 RVU, 725 RVU, 750 RVU, 775 RVU, 800RVU to about 0 RVU, 25 RVU, 50 RVU, 75 RVU, 100 RVU, 125 RVU, 150 RVU,175 RVU, 200 RVU, 225 RVU, 250 RVU, 275 RVU, 300 RVU, 325 RVU, 350 RVU,375 RVU, 400 RVU, 425 RVU, 450 RVU, 475 RVU, 500 RVU, 525 RVU, 550 RVU,575 RVU, 600 RVU, 625 RVU, 650 RVU, 675 RVU, 700 RVU, 725 RVU, 750 RVU,775 RVU, 800 RVU.

The Rapid Visco Analyzer can indicate a final viscosity range of about 0RVU, 25 RVU, 50 RVU, 75 RVU, 100 RVU, 125 RVU, 150 RVU, 175 RVU, 200RVU, 225 RVU, 250 RVU, 275 RVU, 300 RVU, 325 RVU, 350 RVU, 375 RVU, 400RVU, 425 RVU, 450 RVU, 475 RVU, 500 RVU, 525 RVU, 550 RVU, 575 RVU, 600RVU, 625 RVU, 650 RVU, 675 RVU, 700 RVU, 725 RVU, 750 RVU, 775 RVU, 800RVU, 825 RVU, 850 RVU, 875 RVU, 900 RVU, 925 RVU, 950 RVU, 975 RVU, 1000RVU to about 0 RVU, 25 RVU, 50 RVU, 75 RVU, 100 RVU, 125 RVU, 150 RVU,175 RVU, 200 RVU, 225 RVU, 250 RVU, 275 RVU, 300 RVU, 325 RVU, 350 RVU,375 RVU, 400 RVU, 425 RVU, 450 RVU, 475 RVU, 500 RVU, 525 RVU, 550 RVU,575 RVU, 600 RVU, 625 RVU, 650 RVU, 675 RVU, 700 RVU, 725 RVU, 750 RVU,775 RVU, 800 RVU, 825 RVU, 850 RVU, 875 RVU, 900 RVU, 925 RVU, 950 RVU,975 RVU, 1000 RVU

One or more of the above characteristics of the sterile milled productcan be exhibited by the sterile milled product from the time period whenthe sterile milled product exits the microbial reduction device for atime period thereafter of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days,7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 15days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 30 days, 31days, 32 days, 33 days, 34 days, 35 days, 36 days, 37 days, 38 days, 39days, 40 days, 41 days, 42 days, 43 days, 44 days, 45 days, 46 days, 47days, 48 days, 49 days, 50 days, 51 days, 52 days, 53 days, 54 days, 55days, 56 days, 57 days, 58 days, 59 days, 60 days, 61 days, 62 days, 63days, 64 days, 65 days, 66 days, 67 days, 68 days, 69 days, 70 days, 71days, 72 days, 73 days, 74 days, 75 days, 76 days, 77 days, 78 days, 79days, 80 days, 81 days, 82 days, 83 days, 84 days, 85 days, 86 days, 87days, 88 days, 89 days, 90 days, 95 days, 100 days, 105 days, 110 days,115 days, 120 days, 125 days, 130 days, 135 days, 140 days, 145 days,150 days, 155 days, 160 days, 165 days, 170 days, 175 days, 180 days,185 days, 190 days, 195 days, 200 days, 210 days, 220 days, 230 days,240 days, 250 days, 260 days, 270 days, 280 days, 290 days, 300 days,310 days, 320 days, 330 days, 340 days, 350 days, 360 days to about 1day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18days, 19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 30 days, 31 days, 32 days, 33 days, 34days, 35 days, 36 days, 37 days, 38 days, 39 days, 40 days, 41 days, 42days, 43 days, 44 days, 45 days, 46 days, 47 days, 48 days, 49 days, 50days, 51 days, 52 days, 53 days, 54 days, 55 days, 56 days, 57 days, 58days, 59 days, 60 days, 61 days, 62 days, 63 days, 64 days, 65 days, 66days, 67 days, 68 days, 69 days, 70 days, 71 days, 72 days, 73 days, 74days, 75 days, 76 days, 77 days, 78 days, 79 days, 80 days, 81 days, 82days, 83 days, 84 days, 85 days, 86 days, 87 days, 88 days, 89 days, 90days, 95 days, 100 days, 105 days, 110 days, 115 days, 120 days, 125days, 130 days, 135 days, 140 days, 145 days, 150 days, 155 days, 160days, 165 days, 170 days, 175 days, 180 days, 185 days, 190 days, 195days, 200 days, 210 days, 220 days, 230 days, 240 days, 250 days, 260days, 270 days, 280 days, 290 days, 300 days, 310 days, 320 days, 330days, 340 days, 350 days, 360 days. One or more of the abovecharacteristics of the sterile milled product can be exhibited by thesterile milled product from the time period when the sterile milledproduct exits the microbial reduction device for a time periodthereafter of greater than 360 days.

D. Exemplary Computing System

FIG. 3 is an exemplary computing system that can be utilized in variousmanagement aspects for microbial reduction in a processing stream of amilled product. Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary system includes acomputing device, such as computing device 300. In a basicconfiguration, computing device 300 typically includes at least oneprocessing unit 302 and system memory 304. Depending on the exactconfiguration and type of computing device, system memory 304 can bevolatile (such as RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory and thelike) or some combination of the two. System memory 304 typicallyincludes operating system 305, one or more applications 306, and caninclude program data 307. In one aspect, applications 306 furtherinclude application 320 for milled product processing stream management.This basic configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3 by those componentswithin dashed line 308.

Computing device 300 can also have additional features or functionality.For example, computing device 300 can also include additional datastorage devices (removable and/or non-removable) such as, for example,magnetic disks, optical disks, or tape. Such additional storage isillustrated in FIG. 3 by computer readable storage medium 309 andnon-removable storage 310. Computer readable storage medium can includevolatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implementedby, for example, stored computer readable instructions, stored datastructures, stored program modules or other stored data. System memory304, computer readable storage medium 309 and non-removable storage 310are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible mediumwhich can be used to store the desired information and which can beaccessed by computing device 300. Any such computer storage media can bepart of device 300. Computing device 300 can also have input device(s)312 such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch inputdevice, etc. Output device(s) 314 such as a display, speakers, printer,etc., can also be included. All these devices are known in the art andneed not be discussed at length here.

Computing device 300 also contains communication connection(s) 316 thatallow the device to communicate with other computing devices 318, suchas over a network or a wireless network. Communication connection(s) 316is an example of communication media. Communication media typicallyembodies computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier waveor other transport mechanism and includes any information deliverymedia. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one ormore of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encodeinformation in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF,infrared and other wireless media.

CONCLUSION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for microbial treatment of a milledproduct stream, the process comprising: providing a flowable stream of amilled product, wherein the flowable stream of the milled product ispreconditioned to have a generally uniform predetermined moisturecontent throughout the stream, wherein the generally uniformpredetermined moisture content throughout the stream is from about 12%to about 16%, wherein the generally uniform predetermined moisturecontent deviates less than about 0.5% throughout the stream; conveyingthe flowable stream of the milled product through a radio frequency (RF)microbial reduction device, wherein the flowable stream of the milledproduct is heated to a temperature from about 170° F. to about 210° F.as the flowable stream of the milled product is conveyed through themicrobial reduction device; and after the flowable stream of the milledproduct is conveyed through the microbial reduction device, conveyingthe flowable stream of the milled product within a conveyance networkhaving chilled air to cause a temperature reduction of the flowablestream of the milled product to about ambient temperature.
 2. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the flowable stream of the milled product isat least one member of a group comprising: a flowable stream of a flour,a flowable stream of a germ, a flowable stream of a bran, a flowablestream of grain, a flowable stream of oats, a flowable stream of rye, aflowable stream of barley, a flowable stream of an ingredient, aflowable stream of a spice, a flowable stream of a sugar, a flowablestream of a milled dehydrated vegetable, a flowable stream of a milleddehydrated fruit, and a flowable stream of a milled dehydrated pepper.3. The process of claim 1, wherein the flowable stream of milled productis preconditioned to have a generally uniform predetermined moisturecontent from about 12.5% moisture to about 14.5% moisture throughout thestream, wherein the generally uniform predetermined moisture contentdeviates less than about 0.2% throughout the stream.
 4. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the radio frequency device is configured to generate afrequency at about 40 MHz.
 5. The process of claim 11, wherein theflowable stream of the milled product is heated by the RF microbialreduction device to a temperature from about 180° F. to about 200° F. 6.The process of claim 1, wherein the conveyance network is a network ofduct.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein the network of duct is a closedsanitary network of duct.
 8. The process of claim 7, wherein the closedsanitary network of duct is in communication with a heating element tocause a temperature increase of the closed sanitary network of duct. 9.The process of claim 8, wherein the heating element is at least onemember of a group comprising, a heating coil and an air heater.
 10. Asterile milled product produced according to the process of claim
 1. 11.A process for microbial treatment of a milled product stream, theprocess comprising: providing a flowable stream of a milled product,wherein the flowable stream of the milled product is precondition tohave a generally uniform predetermined moisture content throughout thestream; transporting the flowable stream of the milled product through aradio frequency (RF) microbial reduction device, wherein the flowablestream of the milled product is heated to a temperature from about 150°F. to about 240° F. while flowing through the RF microbial reductiondevice; and after the flowable stream of the milled product is conveyedthrough the RF microbial reduction device, conveying the flowable streamof the milled product within a closed sanitary conveyance network tocause a temperature reduction of the flowable stream of the milledproduct.
 12. The process of claim 11, wherein the flowable stream of themilled product is at least one member of a group comprising: a flowablestream of a flour, a flowable stream of a germ, a flowable stream of abran, a flowable stream of grain, a flowable stream of oats, a flowablestream of rye, a flowable stream of barley, a flowable stream of aningredient, a flowable stream of a spice, a flowable stream of a sugar,a flowable stream of a milled dehydrated vegetable, a flowable stream ofa milled dehydrated fruit, and a flowable stream of a milled dehydratedpepper.
 13. The process of claim 11, wherein the RF microbial reductiondevice is configured to generate an RF frequency from about 20 MHz toabout 2450 MHz.
 14. The process of claim 11, wherein less than 10% ofthe flowable steam is denatured when the flowable stream of milledproduct is transported through a radio frequency (RF) microbialreduction device.
 15. The process of claim 11, wherein the closedsanitary conveyance network is a network of duct and the flowable streamof milled product is transported in the closed sanitary network of ductvia chilled sanitary forced air.
 16. The process of claim 15, furthercomprising terminating the transport at a load-out device.
 17. Theprocess of claim 16, wherein the load-out device is at least one memberof a group comprising: a consumer bagging device, a bulk bagging device,a bulk transportation vehicle, and a food processing device.
 18. Asterile milled product produced according to the process of claim 11.19. A process for microbial treatment of a milled grain product stream,the process comprising: receiving a flowable stream of a milled grainproduct; transporting the flowable stream of milled grain product to amoisture control device, wherein the moisture control devicepreconditions the flowable stream of milled grain product to have agenerally uniform predetermined moisture content from about 12.5% toabout 14.5% as the flowable stream of milled grain product passesthrough the moisture control device, wherein the generally uniformpredetermined moisture content deviates less than about 0.5% throughoutthe stream, wherein at least a portion of the flowable stream has amicrobial activity level; after the flowable stream of milled grainproduct passes through the moisture control device, transporting, by aconveyance network, the flowable stream of milled grain product to aradio frequency (RF) microbial reduction device in-line with theconveyance network, wherein the RF microbial reduction device heats theflowable stream of milled grain product to a temperature from about 180°F. to about 200° F. as the flowable stream of milled grain product isconveyed through the RF microbial reduction device to cause a reductionin the microbial activity level of at least 3.0 log CFU/g and to causeless than 10% denaturation; and after the flowable stream of milledgrain product is conveyed through the RF microbial reduction device,conveying the flowable stream of milled grain product within theconveyance network by chilled forced air to cause a temperaturereduction of the flowable stream of milled grain product to aboutambient temperature.
 20. A sterile milled product produced according tothe process of claim 19.